A hammertoe is a toe that bends at one or more joints instead of lying flat. It most often affects the second, third, or fourth toe and can make shoes painful or uncomfortable.
Hammertoes often begin as flexible toes that can still be straightened. Over time, they may become more rigid, causing more pressure, pain, and skin irritation. At Solterra Foot and Ankle, we help patients throughout the Phoenix metro area find relief and can help prevent hammertoes from causing other issues such as wounds.
Hammertoes are often caused by an imbalance in the muscles and tendons that control the toe. Foot structure, bunions, flat feet, arthritis, injury, and genetics can all play a role.
Tight, narrow, pointed, or high-heeled shoes can make hammertoes more painful and may cause the deformity to worsen over time.
When a toe stays bent, it can rub against the top or front of your shoe. This pressure can lead to pain, redness, corns, calluses, or even sores.
Common symptoms of hammertoes include:
Early treatment can often relieve pressure and help keep a hammertoe flexible. During your visit, we look at your toe position, foot structure, shoes, and any corns, calluses, or skin irritation.
During your visit, our podiatrists perform a comprehensive exam that includes:
To ensure you get the answers you need when you need them, same-day appointments are often available for new and existing patients.
Treatment depends on how flexible the toe is and how much pain it causes.
Surgery may be considered when a hammertoe becomes rigid, remains painful despite conservative treatment, causes repeated corns or sores, or makes it difficult to wear shoes comfortably. For some patients, minimally invasive hammertoe surgery may be an option. The goal of hammertoe surgery is to straighten the toe, relieve pressure, and improve comfort when walking and wearing shoes.
No, a hammertoe usually does not straighten on its own. Early treatment may help manage symptoms and keep the toe from becoming more rigid.
Shoegear can contribute but is usually not the only cause. Tight or narrow shoes can worsen a hammertoe and make it more painful.
Many people can, especially with wider shoes that have a deep toe box. Avoid shoes that press directly on the bent toe.
It may be an option for some patients, depending on the toe involved, how flexible or rigid the deformity is, and whether other foot problems need correction at the same time. An exam and X-rays help determine the best approach.
Schedule an evaluation if your toe is painful, getting more bent, causing corns or calluses, rubbing in shoes, or becoming hard to straighten.
Do not let bent toes, painful corns, or uncomfortable shoes limit your day. Whether you are in Scottsdale, Peoria, Anthem, or elsewhere in the Phoenix metro area, Solterra Foot and Ankle is here to help you move more comfortably.
